Back to 2016

Hi kids, it's Mom!

So to keep you in the loop, there's a trend circulating online, like a major throwback to 2016, which was such a loud, vibrant, and festive year. All photos uploaded were in VSCO filters. It was the era of winged eyeliners, messy buns, and chokers. Chainsmokers and EDM ruled the charts. 

This is me hopping on the trend. 

• I was 21 then. Fresh out of college and completely lost. I spent months unemployed, drowning in pressure and uncertainty. Eventually, I landed my first job as an RMA at a retail store, and that’s where adulthood really hit. Customer service taught me one hard truth: customers are not always right. Returned items, complaints, getting yelled at, being threatened with lawsuits, and publicly shamed somehow became part of my daily routine. The first few months were brutal. I remember crying in the stockroom after a customer shouted at me in front of everyone. Over time, though, I learned to toughen up. I had no choice.

Look at her in her uniform!!! This was my first day!! Kids, that's your Tita Laida and we love her. 

• 2016 is also the year where I fell in love with everything matcha. a Matcha Milk Tea, Matcha Latte, Matcha Kitkat etc. I used to have a series here in my blog called "Matcha Adventures"! We came a loooong way. Matcha has become so popular nowadays but can I just say that your mom is so niche she loved it before it blew up lol #imcool

• It's also the year of chokers, ombre, and bleached hair and YES - I gave in to all of it lol. Now I'm paying the price of it all. To the father of my kids, please hurry tf up before I lose all my hair. 

• I was also busy curating my Instagram feed. Kids, back in the day—we didn't have the story features, so everything you wanted to post could be seen in your feed. I used different types of filters throughout; it was so much fun. Now, the less you post, the cooler you’re perceived to be, and honestly… that’s kind of sad.

she into *photography* or wtvr

• And since we’re here for a little tea, this is the year where I got back together with an ex. (I KNOW UGHH) I don't think that's worth mentioning, but since your mom RARELY gets into a relationship, we can add this here. I'm just grateful that that guy didn't wind up being your dad coz what the actual f*ck.

• That year, I also went on my first plane ride to my mom’s hometown, Iloilo. We toured Dumangas Coast and parts of Capiz. I saw the house where my lola gave birth to her. It felt like discovering a part of my mother I had never fully known before - her roots, her story. I want to go back so badly. I miss the quiet, the simplicity, and the province life.

Hello, Atunton!!!! 

• But above everything else, 2016 is the year I lost my mom. The woman who taught me to always believe in myself and trust my capabilities. Nobody said shit but we all knew and felt the shift within our family. The house just didn't feel right and complete. Holidays and birthdays didn't seem festive anymore. Nevertheless, I'm grateful that the 4 of us left stuck together to fill the void she left. I love my family so much. I missed you, Atunton!!

2016 is both a nightmare and a year of becoming. I was learning how to be an adult, working, grieving, holding my family together, and still trying to live and enjoy life, all at 21. It was a lot!

Looking back now, after more loss and more grief, 

I’m still here.

I'M ONE HELL OF A STRONG WOMAN! 

(but like against my will)

BUT HERE I AM!

(coz I got no choice, really)

2026—I'm checking out of you;, it's just January but I'm sooo done! 

I srsly have no hopes left in me lol 

2027 will be my year.... Gosh, give this one to me. 

xoxo

Grasya